Electrical signal operating device



May 23, 1939. R. BEARSS n AL ELECTRICAL SIGNAL OPERATING DEVICE Filed Nov. 7, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l gwen/kms me' 1% J6 May 23, 1939. R. BEARSS Er AL ELECTRICAL SIGNAL OPERATING DEVICE Filed Nov. 7, 193e' 2 sheets-sheet 2 IMI! imam/tons F03/ 5166015' CVI/79nd Smm Patented May 23, 1939 UNITED STATES ELECTRICAL SIGNAL OPERATING DEVICE Roy Bearss and Clifford E. Anderson, Shelby, Mich.

Application November 7, 1936, Serial No. 109,790

4 Claims.

This invention relates to an electrical signal operating device designed primarily for use at service stations for automotive vehicles, but it is to be understood that the device, in accordance with this invention, is to be used in any connection for which it may be found applicable, and the invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a signal operating device, in the form -of a unit interposed in an electrical signaling circuit and with the unit operated by a vehicle entering the station for the purpose of closing the circuit to operate the signal forgiving notice to an attendant in charge of the station that one has entered the station v1li who desired service.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an electrical signal operating device including means operated by hydraulic pressure for closing the circuit to make the signal active and with the hydraulic pressure produced by the travel of a vehicle wheel over a compressible liquid holder disposed in the path of travel of the vehicle.

A further object of the invention is to provide,

in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a unit including means operated from hydraulic pressure for closing an electrical signaling circuit to make the signal active and with the unit including a part for relieving the pressure on said means immediately subsequent to the activity of the signal to render the later inactive.

.Further objects of the invention are to provide in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an electrical signal operating device in the form of a unit which is simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable, compact, thoroughly enicient in its use, conveniently interposed in an electrical signaling circuit, readily assembled, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the foregoing and other objects in View, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically described and as are illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein is shown 45 an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional View of the unit interposed in an electrical signaling circuit,

Figure 2 is a section on line 2-2, Figure l.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view of a modifled form, and

Figure 4 is a section on line 4 4 of Figure 3.

(Cl. 20o-82) The device or unit includes a housing formed of any suitable durable material, preferably metal. The housing I includes a removable top 2. The housing is vertically disposed and of rectangular contour in plan. Arranged within the housing and suitably anchored to the bottom 3 is a base member 4 preferably constructed of wood. The front wall 5 of housing I in proximity to the base 4 is formed with an opening 6.

Suitably anchored to the base 4 is a tubular angle-shaped casting 'I formed of a vertical leg 8 and a horizontal leg 9. The periphery of the upper end of leg 8 is threaded as at I8. The inner face of the leg 9 is threaded as at II. The leg 9 extends substantially at right angles to the lower end of the leg 8 and is spaced from and disposed parallel to the base 4. The lower end of the leg 8 is extended below the leg 9 and seats on base 4. The legs 8 and 9 coact to form an angle-shaped passage I2 having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion and with the latter arranged in the lower end -of leg 8 and throughout the leg 9.

Arranged parallel to and spaced from the casting 'I is an upstanding inverted T-shaped hollow casting I3 formed of an interiorly threaded vertical leg I4 and a lpair of oppositely extending interiorly threaded horizontally disposed legs I5, I6. The inner and outer diameters of the leg I5 are greater than the inner and outer diameters of the leg I6. The legs I4, I5 and I6 open into each other and coact to provide a chamber II. The inner ends of the top of the legs I5, I6 merge into the lower end of the leg I4. The leg I6 has its inner face register with the edge of opening 6. Engaging with the inner face of the leg I6 for extending outwardly from the latter and beyond the front wall 5 is a tubular peripherally threaded coupling nipple I8. Engaging with the inner face of the leg I5 and extending rearwardly relative to casting I3 is an interiorly and exteriorly threaded flange coupling collar I9. Threadedly engaging at one of its ends with the threads I I on the inner face of leg 9 and extending towards the leg I5 of the casting I3 is a peripherally threaded pipe 28 which is coupled with leg I5 by the collar I9. The leg 8 and pipe 28 provide a hydraulic pressure relief line. Threadedly engaging at its lower end with the leg I4 of casting I3 is a vertically disposed cylinder 2l which is open at each end and communicates at its lower end with the chamber II. Threadedly engaging with the upper end of the periphery of the cylinder 2| is an interiorly threaded metallic cap member 22 having an ax- 44- and casting gtogether.

ially arranged opening 23. The cylinder 2l provides a plunger chamber 24. Operating in the latter and extending through the opening 23 is a spring controlled plunger structure consisting of a rod 23 formed at its upper end with a head 2l provided with a contact piece or circuit closer 23. The rod 23 and head 2'! may or may not be formed of electrical conducting material. The contact piece is electrically connected to the cap member 22 by a bonding wire 29. The lower end of the rod 25 carries a cup leather assembly 36 which slides against the inner face of the cylinder 24. Interposed between the assembly and the cap member 22 and surroundingr the rod 26 is a coiled spring 3l normally tending to hold the contact piece 2B in lowered position. The cap member 22 and head 2l coact to slidably suspend the plunger structure in the cylinder 2i. The plunger structure 25 is to be operated by hydraulic pressure against the action of the spring 3| for the purpose of shifting the Contact piece 28 to be moved into engagement with a contact member to be referred to.

With reference to Figure 1, ther-e is illustrated a signal formed with an alarm or bell interposed in a normally open signal operating circuit leading from a source of electrical supply and having interposed therein the cap member 22 and the Contact piece 23. With reference to Figure l, the source of electrical energy is indicated at 32, and the signal at 33. Leading from the source 32 to the signal 33 is a circuit conductor 34. Leading from the signal 33 to a binding post 35 is an electrical conductor 35. The post 35 is electrically connected to the horizontal arm 3l of an angleshaped bracket 38. The latter includes a vertical arm 39 which has its lower end terminal portion secured to and electrically connected to the cap member 22. Carried by the arm 3l of the bracket 38 and insulated therefrom a binding post 43 which extends above and depends from the arm 37. Leading from the source 32 to the post 4l) is an electrical conductor 4l. Connected to the lower end of the post 40 is the contact member heretofore referred to and which is indicated at 42. The member 42 extends downwardly at an inclination from its inner end and is resilient. The inner end of the member 42 is electrically connected to the lower end of the post 49. rIhe contact member 42 is arranged in the path of the contact piece 28. From the construction shown, when the plunger structure 25 is elevated by hydraulic pressure, the contact piece 23 will engage the contact member 42 and close the signaling circuit 43 providing for the operation of the signal 33 as long as the contact piece 22 engages the contact member 42. When the plunger structure 25 is in the position shown in Figure l, the contact piece 28 is clear of the contact member 42 whereby circuit 43 will be open.

Arranged above the casting l is a cup-shaped member 44 formed with internal threads on the inner face of its body 43. The bottom of; member 44 is indicated at 4'! and is formed with an axial opening 48 having its wall threaded. The body 4G has its internal threads extend from the top and are spaced above the bottom thereof. Threadedly engaging with the wall of opening 48 and depending from the member 45 is an interiorly and exteriorly threaded flanged coupling collar 49 which en-gages with the threads l@ on the casting 1 for the purpose of coupling member Secured within the upper end of collar 49 is a peripherally threaded disc 49a formed with an axially arranged port 49h preferably of one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter, but it is to be understood that the diameter of port 49b will be as desired. The diameter of port 49b is to be materially less than the inner diameters of collar 49 and casting 8.

Supported by the member 44 is a vertically disposed cylinder 50 formed of any suitable material and having its outer periphery near its upper end provided with threads 5I and near its lower end with threads 52. The threads 52 of the cylinder 5G engage with the internal threads of body 46 whereby member 44 and cylinder 50 are connected together. The lower end of cylinder 50 is spaced above the bottom 4l ol member 44. The cylinder El! is open at each end and communicates at its lower end with the interior of the member 44. The cylinder 50 provides an expann sion chamber 53. Engaging with the threads of the cylinder 55 is an internally threaded cap member 54 provided with a vent 55. The member 54 constitutes a closure for the upper end of the cylinder 5U. Seated on the bottom 4l of member 44 and extending up into the chamber 3 is an inverted V-shaped resilient baffle 55.

Arranged exteriorly of the lower portion of the front wall 5 of housing l, is a horizontally disposed T-shaped hollow casting or coupling 51 formed of a pair or oppositely disposed legs 53, 59 and a leg 60 which merges into the legs 58 and 59 at the inner ends of these latter. The legs 53, 59 are internally threaded for connecting therewith peripherally tubular coupling nipples 6I, G2. The leg E!) is internally threaded for connecting it to the nipple I3. The nipples 6I, 52 provide means for connecting with the legs 59 compressible and extendible tubular holders S3, 64 for a liquid or fluid. The holders are closed at their outer ends and are provided with suitable means not shown for lling them. Each holder is termed a resilient hose and is of a length to be disposed on an approach to a service station and in the path of a vehicle entering the station whereby the hose will be compressed and create hydraulic pressure which is exerted upon the lower end of the plunger structure 25 whereby thc latter will be forced upwardly to provide for the contact piece 28 engaging the contact member 42 to close the signaling circuit 43 to make active the signal 33.

Any excess pressure of the liquid or fluid is forced up into the expansion chamber 53 through the relief line formed by the elements heretofore referred to.

The expansion chamber 53 is kept about onehalf full with liquid but there is always room above the stationary liquid or fluid for the excess liquid to be forced around the haine 53 into the space above the stationary liquid or fluid. The baiile 55 prevents thc excess liquid or iiuid from being forced through the vent 55.

When the pressure of the liquid or fluid in the hose is exerted by reason of the vehicle wheels` passing over it, the liquid or fluid is forced into the lower portion of the cylinder 2|, thus causing the plunger structure 25 to rise in the chamber 24, so that electrical contact is established, thus making the signal active inside the station. The signal will be positioned in the station. The excess pressure of the liquid or iluid is spent by passing through the pipe 20, casting 1, and ported disc 49e into chamber 53 thus releasing the electrical contact about as soon as it would take for the length of an automobile to pass over the hose. As the front wheels of the vehicle pass over the hose it will cause one alarm to be rung and as the rear wheels of the vehicle pass over the hose there will be a second distinct and separate ring.

'Ihe space in the expansion chamber for the excess liquid or fluid to pass into provides that even though the automobile remains stationary upon the hole thus continuing the pressure upon the liquid, the pressure is removed by the absorption in the expansion chamber thus breaking the electric connection almost immediately and causing the bell or signal to become inactive.

It is to be understood that the expanding power of the spring 3| forces the plunger structure 25 downwardly so that the contact piece 28 will be shifted clear of contact member 42.

With reference to the modified form shown by Figures 3 and 4 it includes a vertically disposed cylinder 65 open at each end and having the outer periphery thereof at each end terminal portion, threaded as at 66, 61. The cylinder 85 in proximity to its upper end is formed with an opening 68 for a purpose to be referred to. A flanged interiorly threaded cap 59 detachably engages with the threads 66 for closing the upper end of cylinder 65. An internally threaded inverted flanged closure member |59a of cap-like form is detachably engaged with the threads 61 for closing the lower end of cylinder E5. The member 69EL is formed with an opening 10 concentrically thereof. The Wall of opening 18 is threaded. Secured to the cylinder 65 intermediate its ends is mounting bracket 1i therefor. The cylinder 65 provides a liquid expansion chamber 12. The cap 68 is formed with a vent opening 13.

Extending upwardly into the expansion chamber 12 through the opening 10 is a vertically disposed plunger structure cylinder 14 closed at its upper end by an axially apertured flanged head and open at its lower end. The cylinder 14 is provided with threads on its outer periphery at its upper and lower ends as at 1S, 11. The flange 18 of head 15 is internally threaded and engages with the threads 16 for securing head 15 in position. The aperture in head 15 is indicated at 19. The cylinder 14 is of less length than and has its outer diameter materially les's than that of the inner diameter of cylinder 65. The threads 11 of cylinder 14 engage with the threads on the wall of opening 10. The cylinder 14 depends from the closure member 89 and coacting with the threads 11 and with the upper and lower faces of member 69 is a pair of superposed nuts 19e, 80 for anchoring the cylinders 65 and 14 together in spaced concentric relation. The cylinder 14 above and in proximity to nut 19ab is ported, as at 8| to provide a by-pass between the plunger structure chamber 82, formed by cylinder 14 and the expansion chamber 12.

Attached to the lower end of. cylinder 14, below the nut 80, is the vertical leg 83 of an elbowshaped coupling 84. The horizontal leg 85 of coupling 84 is extended outwardly with respect to the lower end of leg 83. Secured with and projecting outwardly from leg 85 is a peripherally threaded tubular coupling sleeve 85 which extends into and threaded engages with the stein 81 of a T-shaped coupling 88. The head of coupling 88 is indicated at 89. Secured within and extending laterally in opposite directions with respect to the head 89 is a pair of peripherally threaded coupling nipples 90, 9| for connecting the head 89 oppositely disposed oompressible and extendible tubular liquid or fiuid holders 92, 93 closed at their outer ends. The

holders 92, 93 are of the same form and'for the same purpose as holders 63, 84.

Operating in the cylinder 14 is a spring controlled plunger structure B4 of substantially the same form and arrangement as that of the plunger structure shown in Figure 1.

The signal 95 and its normally open circuit 96, as Well as the opening and closing means 91 for circuit 98 shown in Figures 3 and 4, are substantially of the same form as that shown in Figure 1 with this exception that the conductors of the circuit 96 extend into the cylinder 65 through opening 68. The latter is sealed after the passage of the circuit conductors therethrough.

In the form shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cylinder 65 provides a housing for the major portion of the cylinder 14 and the circuit opening and closing means 91.

The by-pass formed by the port 8| provides .for the liquid or fluid entering chamber 82 shooting horizontally into the expansion chamber 12. The port 8l functions for the same purpose as opening or port 49h, casting 8 and pipe 28. The elbow B4 functions the same as coupling i3, that is to say, a lower liquid or iluid container or chamber, opening into the plunger chamber 82.

The normal approximate liquid level in chamber 'l2 will be as indicated by the dotted line 98, Figure 3.

In actual demonstrations of the structure, the result is a sharp, staccato ring which automatically ceases about as quickly as one would cause the ordinary door bell to cease ringing by releasing the electrical contact and as it is obvious from the structural arrangement shown, this result is accomplished by the alternate upward and downward movement of the plunger structure 25 and the automatic disposal of the excess liquid or fluid through the relief line into the expansion chamber.

What we claim is:

1. In a hydraulic pressure operated closing structure for an electric circuit and of that type including an expansion chamber into which extends the conductors of the circuit and an upstanding open top cylinder within and for communication with said chamber and a hydraulic pressure supply, the combination of an axially apertured cap of conducting material for closing the open top of the cylinder, a spring controlled hydraulic pressure operated piston structure for positioning within the cylinder, said structure extending through said cap and provided at its outer end with a head carrying a circuit closer electrically connected to said cap, an upstanding suspension of conducting material integral at its lower end with the cap, a terminal for one of said conductors electrically connected to said suspension, a resilient contact normally clear of and for engagement by said closer for closing the circuit on the operation of the piston structure by hydraulic pressure, and a terminal for the other conductor of the circuit carried by and insulated from said suspension and having attached thereto said contact.

2, In a hydraulic pressure operated closing structure for an electric circuit, an upstanding annular structure providing an expansion chamber, said structure being formed at its upper portion with a vent for said chamber and an opening for the passage into the chamber of the conductors of the circuit, said annular structure having its bottom formed with an opening, an upstanding open top and open bottom cylinder arranged within said chamber, extending through the opening in and depending from said bottom, means for securing said cylinder to said bottom, said cylinder being formed with an opening above and in proximity to said bottom for establishing communication between it and said chamber, means for establishing communication between the lower end of the cylinder and a hydraulic pressure supply, an apertured cap of conducting material for closing the top of the cylinder, a spring controlled hydraulic pressure operated plunger structure operating in said cylinder and having a part extending through said cap, a circuit closing means Within said chamber, normally in inactive position and made active on the operation of said piston structure by hydraulic pressure, said circuit closing means including a contact spaced from the outer end of said part and a circuit closer on the outer end of said part for coaction with said contact to close the circuit, said contact being electrically connected to one of said conductors, said closer being electrically connected to said cap, and said cap being electrically connected to the other of said conductors.

3. In a hydraulic pressure operated closing structure for an electric circuit, a cylinder for communication at its lower end with a source of hydraulic pressure and provided at its other end with a closer cap of conducting material formed with an axial opening, an arm of conducting material integral with and electrically connected to said cap, a pair of spaced terminals for a pair of conductors of the circuit, said terminals being carried by said arm, one of said terminals being electrically connected to and the other insulated from said arm, a resilient contact carried by the said other terminal, a spring controlled hydraulic pressure operated piston structure operating in said cylinder and having a part extending through the opening in said cap, a circuit closer on the outer end of said part for coaction with said contact to close the circuit on the operation of said piston structure by hydraulic pressure, and means for electrically connecting said closer to said cap.

4. In a hydraulic pressure operated circuit closing structure, an upstanding structure providing an expansion chamber, said upstanding structure being formed with a vent for said chamber and a passage extending therethrough into the chamber, a pair of spaced circuit conductors extending through said passage, said upstanding structure being formed in its bottom with an opening, a closed top and open bottom hydraulic pressure receiving cylinder arranged within said chamber, depending through the opening in said bottom, connected to said bottom and being ported for establishing communication between the interior thereof and said chamber, terminals within said chamber for said conductors, said terminals being insulated from each other, a contact depending from one of said terminals, a spring controlled hydraulic pressure 

